“Let me see that, also. Was it received before the other, or later?”
“About an hour earlier.”
“Let me see both of them.”
“Here is the first one,” said Belden. “It was received at nine o’clock. See for yourself, Mr. Carter.”
Nick took the telegram and read it:
“Gus Dewitt, Reddy House, Shelby: Ten will hit me. Quickest route.
A. Monaker.”
It was a message that would have signified very little to most men. It might have been an ordinary business communication, a wire concerning the price and quantity of desired merchandise and the direction for shipping it.
Nick Carter’s strong, clean-cut face, however, took on a more intent expression.
“By Jove, I am right,” he said. “It’s a hundred to one that this was sent to notify Dalton just when to call for the message.”
“Why do you think so?” Belden inquired, leaning nearer to read the telegram.